The legislation will support thousands of jobs and invests an average of $800 million a year at full implementation for the next six years (FY 2014 – FY 2019). As a result, Gov. O'Malley announced the first round of projects to be funded with money generated by the act.

The bill is expected to support more than 57,200 jobs, create a safer, more efficient transportation network and spur economic development.

"This historic transportation bill allows us to move forward with the first new major transportation projects in more than eight years and get our construction industry back to work. Today, I am pleased to announce $1.2 billion for key new highway and transit projects from Western Maryland to the Eastern Shore," said Gov. O'Malley.

A total of $100 million has been provided for MARC Enhancements (Penn-weekend service, Camden-weekday two new roundtrips and new locomotives) and transit funding for final design of the Red Line ($170 million), Purple Line ($280 million) and Corridor Cities Transitway ($100 million)

During the summer months, the state will continue to review project needs and make investment decisions. The Maryland Department of Transportation's draft six-year transportation budget will be published on September 3. This budget, known as the Consolidated Transportation Program, will provide a full list of the new projects funded by the Transportation Act.

The Transportation Act allows the state to activate long-term funding strategies to invest in Maryland's roads and transit systems.